Born in the Philippines and raised in Southern California, I identify as an immigrant daughter who knows how it feels to navigate different worlds and try to figure out where I belong, all while considering the choices of those who came before me. Growing up, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed, perform, and measure up to expectations I didn’t choose. Supported by loved ones, dear friends, a lifetime of beloved pets, and some very transformative therapy experiences, I’ve learned how to make choices each day that reflect my genuine self and what matters most to me.

The name of my practice, Heirlooms Family Counseling, is inspired by the concept of a family heirloom. A family heirloom is something of value that may be physical (like a handwritten recipe) or non-physical (like a holiday tradition) that is passed down generations to preserve a family’s history. My therapy work seeks to honor and help people have a say in the beliefs and legacies that get passed up, down, and across generations. I believe that when we tend to ourselves and those we call family, we make waves that heal our local and global communities. As an individual affected by a late-discovery NPE , I also believe that everybody deserves the chance to understand their origin story and decide what comes next.

I am here to learn all the different ways to take care of each other and our earth. I am appreciative of those who join me in this precious work. My wish for you is to create a life filled with what you find most precious.

Pictured: Beach picnic one week after adopting my dog, Eevee. Photo Credit: My friends, Jordyn and Alexandra.